Pregnancy Services

What Can I Expect?

Pregnant? Above all, you can expect your visit with PHC to be one of no judgment, no pressure, just help. That is our commitment to every client we serve.

You might also be curious about some of the practical aspects of your visit to PHC. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

What should I bring with me?

All of our services are FREE so you don’t need to have any money or insurance information for your visit.

Bring a photo ID so we can protect your privacy. Client information is held in strict and absolute confidence, except in rare circumstances when prohibited by law. A a copy of your photo ID will give us vital information to compare with any future requests we might receive for your records. If you don’t have an ID, we can take your picture when you come in for your appointment.

Can others come with me to my appointment?

Yes, or you may also choose to come alone. Some people find comfort in having someone else along while others prefer that no one come with them.

Whenever you are comfortable, we encourage that you bring the father of the baby to the visit.

You can also bring another important support person(s) with you, like a friend or family member. Our staff will always speak with you individually first to give you the opportunity to share the details of your circumstance and any preferences you may have about others participating in any part of the services you receive at PHC. Our staff can let the person(s) know when he/she can participate in any portion of your visit based on your preferences. No one will ever be invited to participate in your care without your permission and none of your protected information will be disclosed to anyone without your consent.

Because of space limitations and concern for our ability to serve all of our clients well, please refrain from bringing more than a few people with you. It is always helpful if you can let our staff know who might be coming with you when you schedule your appointment.

Why would I want to get an ultrasound if I am planning to abort?

The nurse, or sonographer, will ask some questions to see if you medically qualify for an ultrasound. If you do, the ultrasound can help you answer some important questions before you decide.

Am I at risk for natural miscarriage? The nurse will check for cardiac activity to indicate viability. If it appears you are at risk for a natural miscarriage, she can talk to you about things to watch for and what to do if you see signs that you might be miscarrying. If that is the case, you may not need to spend the money on an abortion or put your body through the procedure.

Is the pregnancy in the uterus? Though rare, when pregnancies occur outside the uterus it is a dangerous condition for your health. If she has any preliminary indication this is a possibility, the nurse will indicate how you can seek immediate medical attention.

How far along am I? The nurse may take measurements during the ultrasound to give you an estimate of how far along you are in your pregnancy. This can determine what abortion procedures are available to you.

Our nurse can often provide you with the preliminary information to help you begin to answer these important questions at the time of your visit. Our physician will then review the information and we can contact you if he/she has any further information.

I'm under 18, can you serve me without my parents knowing?

Yes, we can serve you with or without your parents’ knowledge. We will never tell your parents as that would be releasing your protected medical information. Our staff and volunteers can talk with you about your situation and can help you think through when/if you want to tell your parents. If you feel comfortable, we encourage you to consider telling your parents about what is happening, but that decision is completely up to you.

Where are you located?

We are centrally located in downtown Richmond and are convenient to EKU’s campus.

What if I don't want all the services you offer?

You are always free to accept or decline any service we offer and can leave at any time.

How long should I expect my visit to last?

That will depend a lot on what services you receive. Generally speaking, pregnancy-related appointments usually range from 1-2 hours and those who have a positive pregnancy test result average closer to 1 ½- 2 hours. Of course, you can leave if you need or want to at any time. If you are particularly pressed for time, please let our staff know as you arrive so that we can try to be as sensitive as possible to your schedule.

What if I scheduled an appointment but can no longer make it at that time or already missed my appointment?

Just call us at (859) 624-3942 and we will reschedule your appointment for a time that works for you.

Do I have to live in Richmond to be served by PHC?

No, we are glad to serve anyone from our region who wants to come to PHC for services. We have no geographic limits to our services; however, there are other organizations in Kentucky that offer similar services and might be closer to you. Call us at (859) 624-3942 and we can help you assess the best place for you.

Is PHC an actual medical clinic?

Yes, we are a state-licensed special health clinic. We have medical professionals on staff, including a registered nurse and a sonographer, who are trained in limited obstetric ultrasounds and a physician who oversee our medical services.